Things started out slow for Atkins (16-8, 8-0 5AAA) as it went three up and three down for the first seven innings. The Lady Mustangs, however, made things interesting and tight in the second inning. Perryville got its first base runner of the game with a single. Following two strikeouts, the runner advanced to second on a steal and third on a passed ball. Lady Red Devil pitcher Chelsea Riley struck out the next Lady Mustang to end the scoring threat.

In the sixth, Perryville again caused uneasiness in the Atkins dugout as a base runner reached on a single. The next batter attempted a bunt, but instead of getting the ball down, she popped it up allowing the Lady Red Devils to turn a double play after the runner at first base left early. Riley again picked up a strike out to end the inning.

The Lady Mustangs, after keeping Atkins at bay for seven innings, again looked to score in the top of the seventh. After a double, Perryville had a runner in scoring position, but was unable to get her home for the go ahead score.

The game went into extra innings and brought into effect the international tie breaker (ITB) of putting a base runner at second base at the start of the inning.

In Perryville's half of the eighth, the Lady Mustangs couldn't get anything going after two batters struck out and the base runner was thrown out trying to steal third.

In the bottom of the eighth, it was do or die time for the Lady Red Devils. Crystal Griffin went to second in accordance with the ITB. Chelsey Alexander's sacrifice bunt moved Griffin to third.

In an attempt to squeeze the runner home for the winning score, Marlie Shannon put down a sacrifice bunt. Shannon was thrown out at first, while Griffin hesitated and did not advance. Lauren Gardner walked in her at bat putting runners at first and third with two out. With the pressure on, freshman Haley Meeks went to the plate. Meeks hit the ball to the second baseman, who in turn committed an error allowing both Meeks and Gardner to reach safely and most important, allowed Griffin to score for the win.

Riley pitched all eight inning for Atkins. She struck out 13, allowed four hits and walked none.

Atkins 10, Saint Joseph 3

The Lady Red Devils remained undefeated in 5AAA play Tuesday after defeating Saint Joseph 10-3.

Atkins scored two in the first after singles by Riley and D'randa Johnston. Riley though was tagged out after getting caught in a run down trying to steal third. With one out, Griffin and Alexander both singled to load the bases. Gardner picked up two RBI with a single to right field that scored Johnston and Griffin.

The Lady Bulldogs added two in the third to tie the game. The game would remain tied until the fifth when the Lady Red Devils added another run to their total. With a runner on, Shannon got a base hit to right field that scored Alexander.

In the sixth, Atkins added three runs. Morgan Austin singled to put a runner on base. Johnston was hit by a pitch to put two on. Griffin hit an inside-the-park homerun to score all three runs and make the score 6-3 Lady Red Devils.

Atkins added four more runs in the seventh for the final 10-3 margin.

Katie Schutt pitched six innings. She had eight strikeouts, five hits and allowed three runs, but only two were earned. Riley pitched the seventh and set Saint Joseph down in order. She struck out two.

Austin, Riley, Griffin and Alexander were each 4-for-5 from the plate. Johnston and was 3-for-4 and was hit by a pitch. Shannon and Schutt each were 2-for-4.

The Lady Red Devils will return to action next Saturday as they host the 5AAA District tournament. See future additions of The Courier for more details.